Family Forum: Special Needs

The area’s experts in special needs services will provide free hands-on advice to parents at Long Island Parent magazine’s second annual Special Needs Family Fair this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walt Whitman Mall.

The speakers will cover topics such as protecting your child’s legal and financial needs, identifying ADHD, advocating for your child’s education, homework tips, language enhancement, food issues, neurofeedback, music therapy and helping your child make friends.

“Parents of special needs children often feel alone and overwhelmed. Yet Long Island is rich in resources to help them cope and support their children,” said Liza N. Burby, publisher of Long Island Parent magazine and www.liparentonline.com. “This event brings parents and those sources together to provide immediate answers, and it also gives parents a chance to meet others who know just what they’re experiencing."

The Special Needs Family Fair will also include 24 developmental and physical disabilities experts who will be available to meet one-on-one with parents at no charge, in addition free face painting, costumed characters, live animals, temporary tattoos, ADHD screenings, child ID finger printing, arts and crafts, giveaways and raffles.

Are you the parent of a child with special needs? How are services in the Farmingdale School District? Will you attend this event this weekend? Are the topics relevant to your daily life? Join the discussion by commenting below.